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Topic Review (Newest First)

12-20-2004 10:32 AM

bonefishmon

Juro. It would be my pleasure! I have informed Bob that we are a group that loves both sides of the battle when it comes to flyfishing. Finding the fish on our own is half the battle and for me and as much fun as actually landing them.
I don't always catch a load of fish when I'm down in the Bahamas but I completely enjoy the fact that I am exploring a new territory that I've never been to. Sure, guides have their place but for me building a rod, tying the flies and hooking a fish
with no assistance is very gratifying. I do plan to use a guide when we go for at least one day to get to the outside.
I have informed Bob of our questions and hope he will chime in again on this Forum.
Please avert your attention to the new thread, Rediculous Clave...Long Island.

Phil

12-20-2004 08:42 AM

juro

I've organized many trips and gatherings over the last 20 years but have been trying to avoid forcing a hand in this to see where the dynamics lead us. So far it has gone well with two options in the southern region, lodging investigation has revealed great options, and the costs have been held in check.

I agree that we need to come to a decision soon, yet with three months to go I would like to avoid being too spontaneous. These things just don't come easy for me $$ nowadays and I want to feel like it was worth 2x the price, and the DIY and adventure aspect are key for me.

We could pay $4k and ride a flats boat all week in Andros, sleep on fresh linens and be waited on - heads and shoulders above any of these options we discussed but that's not what it's all about for me. But I would rather spend $1k (all inclusive) and feel what Columbus felt when he landed on these same islands, personally. I want to win one of these battles with a double digit bone, on my own as they say. I've lost them all so far.

How about if we put up the two options and let people choose which they prefer. We can then decide if we combine the two groups, split up into two smaller groups, or investigate other options.

Bonfishmon -

Please roll up a detailed summary including all costs, airlines, rental cars, etc for Deadmans Cay. For this comparison. I will do same for Acklins / Crooked Island. Then we'll put up a poll to see how the cards fall, make a decision, and go forward.

** please start a new thread with this information **

12-20-2004 08:26 AM

n1gdo

Well put "bonefishmon" ... you make a good case for Long Island.....

I think the points regarding the DIY flats being available and the guides to take us to the outside flats are valid.

The flight via MIA / GGT is also a good selling point rather than an overnight in Nassau to save time and money.

I am with you as far as nailing down the place and dates because once you do and ask people to commit, you will find some folks will not be able to join because of many reasons and it could change the economics etc...

The big question is who is the leader to make that decision....!

Has anyone done any organizing of a trip like this that can take over that function?

I would be happy to assist but I usually travel alone and have no clue about how we would arrange deposits and payments etc. for a group.

"bonefishmon" if we did the LI house can you find out how we would do the deposit and payment etc ? Also if we could arrange for a rental car and put a deposit on it.

The people who have put down a deposit can make flight plans and we could exchange info to see what deals can be made to get the cheapest flight.

12-19-2004 09:36 PM

bonefishmon

Bob. Thanks for the post. You have, however, answered in your thread to an PM email I sent you asking about the guides. I agree wholeheartedly that some of us will want to experience the 'outside' with someone who knows the area well.

Here are my thoughts. Either we #!*+ or get off the pot on our decisions here. Unless someone hosts the Acklins that's been there already, I'm afraid we may waste a lot of time on the unknowns that exist there. I know first hand from someone who has been there many times that it is the perfect place to explore if you can put up with swarms of mosquitos, questionable roads, lack of food and fuel and only a few housing options. It's a BIG place. Like trying to cover the entire Cape in one week! We need a place with three or more large flats near by, learn their nuances like we did Monomy, get intimate and catch some fish. Comfortable housing, and someone who can help us get started that lives there and knows the area well as well as the resources beyond the fishing. I believe we have found just the place! Bob reported to me that he had a great day fishing with his son,' today.'

Phil

12-19-2004 06:11 PM

bobh

Yes, Sammy Knowles still guides here – he’s considered one of the best. He’s pretty busy with, and I think committed to, the smith and wells bonefish camp, but you might give him a try while you’re here. Other guides that our friends have enjoyed fishing with are Locksley Cartwright 242 337 7228, Phillip Cartwright 337 1043, and Colin Cartwright 337 6033. Peter Burrows is a great guy to fish with, but is often busy with other things and can’t commit much in advance – try him while you’re here at 357 1105.

You’ll want to get a guide to see the beautiful flats out from Deadman’s cay, and of course anyone not experienced at bonefishing will want a guide . But there are also any number of flats on the island that you can drive to, park, and fish. Successfully. Also the atlantic side offers coves and rocky heads for fishing – you never know what you might catch (but they all eat green and white clousers). You just have to do some explorin’ and pokin’ around, just like fishing anywhere.

Cars are $55/day and fuel is no problem.

I haven’t been to crooked/acklins; I think you know more about it than I do.

So: practice your casting (none of that ‘with the wind” stuff either!) and have a great time wherever you go.

12-19-2004 12:51 AM

juro

Cape Santa Maria / Stella Maris area looks great for DIY (if accessible) to the right of the resort.

Good broad view of things... Andros is the mecca; but Acklins / Crooked combination trip has the intrigue for me I have to admit.

huge NASA image(windows users: hold mouse still over image, click on expand icon to see full scale)

12-18-2004 03:41 PM

juro

Hi Bob -

Welcome aboard... your place looks very inviting!

I've spoken w/ some experienced LI bonefishers and they seem to say that most of the island is really not fishable without a boat to get to good flats south of Stella Maris. In your photos there seem to be two areas, one on open water flats (boat in background?) and another along some mangroves where you took that awesome shot of some bones. That would be a tough spot to hook them, or at least land them! I'd try anyway Where are these spots relative to the cottage?

Have you been to Crooked / Acklins and how would the accessibility to flats compare for DIY?

Thanks for the tip on flights to GGT! What a great alternative to Nassau and I know some great spots in the event of a layover in Great Exuma

(BTW - I sent a private message explaining the removal of the link)

12-18-2004 10:39 AM

bonefishmon

Welcome: Bob Houghton!

Welcome to the Flyfishing Forum! Thanks for the early response, most likely with coffee in hand! Thanks also for clearing up any misconceptions as far as the DIY
fishing goes. My appologies for the mixup. I remember reading about Sam Knowles many years ago. How is he doing and would he be available for a day or two? In any case, Bob has experience with the flight plans as he lives there. The plan would be to fly to Georgetown, Exumas instead of Nassau. No Bahamas Air nightmares. From Providence, RI it would run me about $430.00 RT. The flight from Georgetown to L.I. is $550 RT for the five passenger plane and $780 for the nine passanger plane. For me that should run no more than $560.00 based on nine going. Add $225 per person for housing based on nine guests. This is certainly doable. I'm a strict vegan so peas and rice and some occasional conch will keep me very happy. I love conch fritters and Kalik. Three cases of Kalik are on ME! Car rental and fuel?

Bob. Please fill us in on the flats situation. Are we only able to fish the salt pans from shore? Are there other natural flats with mangroves shores and no berms?
Tell me in your honest opinion about the southern area of Long Island for exploration and is there access. I've heard there are spots down there near the point. Thanks in advance.

Phil

12-18-2004 08:04 AM

bobh

Hi --

hopefully I can answer your questions more easliy here; i've been corresponding with bonefishmon by private email.

Regarding DIY bonefishing -- yes, there's plenty of it. You can access even morewith a guide, and i always encourage groups to use one for some of the time; the good ones are worth it. But you can also go bonefishing on your own.

Wherever you stay, a car rental is good -- it's a big island, with lots to do

Also, I didn't say don't listen to the bonefish lodges -- just that i've noticed posts on some fishing forums that suggest you can't DIY bonefish here successfully, and I suspect the posters must be touting for bonefish lodges. There are good bonefish lodges here that include meals and good guides everyday.

I'm not sure about the place that offers the van + 70 hp Whaler -- that's a good deal if true. I'll see if I can find out where it is.

What you get here is basically a house on a beautiful beach (which I'm looking at as I type!). lot's of info and pics on my website

OK that's it for now; my son and i are going fishing. I've sent some airfare info to bonefishmon and will put it up here if you like. But later...

12-17-2004 07:07 PM

bonefishmon

I have e-mailed Bob Houghton and informed him of our Forum. Bob, if you are reading this, a hearty and thankful welcome from all of us! Please fill us in on your wonderful place in Turnbull, L.I.. We are all (ears) eyes.

Phil

12-17-2004 06:28 PM

bonefishmon

Before I commit to Bob I will need a head count from those interested in the 12th thru the 19th of April on Long Island, Bahamas. This is not a commitment. Simply a head count. A group of nine will fit on the plane from Georgetown. Please reply ASAP.

Phil

12-17-2004 06:23 PM

bonefishmon

Juro and all others. I will call Bob and get the details. From what he said via e-mail the connection to L.I. and back to Miami should be less than a Nassau connect.

Phil

12-17-2004 02:21 PM

FredA

"Near the Turnbull house".

I have a recurring dream that looks like this!

12-17-2004 01:12 PM

juro

Very interesting,

post an accurate roll-up of costs for consideration, and once again thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonefishmon

Just heard back from the guide from Oregon, Bob Houghton on Long Island. This is really getting more and more interesting with each email and he is willing to help us find affordable flights from Miami instead of Nassau. We fly to Georgetown from Miami and hop out from there. I need to let him know ASAP. Has yaks and a small skiff and will tell what areas we can fish from shore. Resturants and grocery near by. Please give this serious consideration as it is the only open date. (4/12--4/19) Prime bonefish conditions. Just have to check on tides.

Phil

12-17-2004 11:55 AM

FredA

Wow. Being ignorant, I'm staying out of the selection process, but that place does look cool. Choices, choices!

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